"Ana, unlike the others, you possess a very high amount of power. You were cultured from very young do wield immense energy...

"

"The fact that you are also able to handle Divine Power, manifesting it as Grace, is also an impressive feat.

"

Ana looked at the one who told her these words, her heart throbbing with joy as he showered her praise.

"However... It's still too weak in terms of viability. For you to become stronger, you need to increase the capacity of your Realm Of Limbo

" He added.

Ana understood her lord's word perfectly.

Since he revealed his goal to her, as well as the godly foes in his way, she knew she was too lacking to be of any real use to him.

She clenched her fists in powerlessness, frustrated by the pathetic limit she had reached.

The remaining two slaves still had room for growth, but she felt like she had reached her limit. Within the pocket dimension of Root, here she was with her god... Hexarion.

"Do not despair, Ana. I wouldn't have chosen you if you wouldn't be of use to me... There is indeed a way for you to become even more powerful than your current state

" He said, slightly raising his hand toward her.

"One of them is to increase the quality of Treasures within your Realm. But, the more powerful the Treasures, the more strain they will place on you. This means that the greater they are, the lesser you can keep within your Realm.

"

"So... it's a choice between quality and quantity...?

" Ana muttered.

Her god smiled, looking at her with a pleased expression. This made her heart thump even faster as she beheld his glorious face.

"Correct. But... There is a way to have both!

" He said with an assured face.

Her eyes beamed as she heard this. Her lord was offering her a means to become of more use to him, to serve him even better than before. The joy she felt was indescribable.

"I will connect ROOT's Treasury to your Realm. That way, you'll be able to freely access Sacred Grade Treasures within ROOT.

" He said.

"L-Lord... You would go that far for me?!

" She exclaimed, beaming with overwhelming joy.

"However, it still doesn't change the fact that your limits are still present. So, while your Realm can only contain a set amount of Treasures, you'll be able to release more... The only way to achieve this is to rapidly eject Treasures from your Realm as you continuously add more from ROOT!

"

Hearing his words of wisdom made her tremble with awe. Only he could come up with such a smart, yet insane approach to the application of her Grace.

"I-I'll do my best, Lord Hexarion!

" She beamed even more.

Her body slightly shook as he placed his hands on her shoulder, feeling his warmth on her skin. She felt like she would lose her breath from just his touch.

"There is a drawback too. Rapidly expelling Treasures and adding them to your Realm will cause damage to it. Consistently doing so slowly is fine, but if you instantly use this method, while surpassing your limit... You could ruin your Realm beyond recovery. If you overdo it... You may never be able to use your Grace forever

" He warned while locking eyes with her.

As his face drew near, she could feel her heart race even further. She understood the risks, but still... For her god, she would do anything.

"Do you still have the resolve to proceed?

" He whispered.

"Yes! I'm willing to do whatever it takes!

" She responded decisively.

His smile broadened upon hearing her answer. Ana was gladdened by the fact that she pleased her lord.

"Very well. Let us begin the procedure...

"

As he said this, he thrust one of his hands into her chest, tearing through the clothes she wore.

"Angggggg!

" She moaned, feeling him course through her skin.

"Skin contact is necessary to stimulate your energy... Surely you understand...

" Her Lord said, navigating his hand through her naked skin, fondling her breasts in the process.

"Y-Yes... I-I understand... Hmmm... Ahhhh...

" She uttered, still moaning.

"I'll begin the bonding process now. Prepare yourself

" He said.

His ring flowed purple, sending its energy coursing through his hand. The soaking energy proceeded and entered into Ana, whose face was flushed with embarrassment and pleasure.

"Arnnnnnggggg!!!!

" She moaned in ecstasy as she felt the stimulating energy course through her, reaching deep into her Realm.

>SHIIIIIIIINGGGGGGGG<

White light, mixed with purple energy burst forth, filling the vast space around them.

With this, she obtained access to ROOT'S Sacred Grade Treasury... And throughout her time within the special space of ROOT, she took great pains in slowly mastering the technique Hexarion taught her. Finally, she was safely able to manage bringing forth 3,000 Treasures at once.

Any more would mean her Realm getting damaged, most likely beyond repair.

Despite knowing this... Ana poured out 5,000 Treasures to defeat Gratiana. She knew the consequences of her action, but she decided to go it anyway.

The reason was simple.

"Lord Hexarion will be pleased... If I win!

"

And so, with that single thought, Ana bore the results of her reckless action and charged forth.

Present Moment

With a final thrust, pouring all her remaining strength, Ana lunged at Gratiana and dealt the final hit, piercing her throat.

Blood spurted out, and Gratiana became lifeless as she crashed into the ground.

"Huff... Huff...

" Ana let out, struggling to breathe.

Still wheezing, she closed her eyes and steadied her pulse. She had lost a lot of blood, plus the backlash from tearing open her Realm... She knew the consequences of her actions.

But, she was happy.

She was able to kill one of the wretched Apostles who ruined her life. Most of all, she was able to please her lord and god, Hexarion.

She gave a satisfied, but tired smile, as she lost control of her body.

Meanwhile

"Oh? Who would've thought that your friend back there would be able to kill that Chosen Human... Truly, you lot intrigue me

" The Executioner commented, watching as Gratiana's dead body was drowned in her blood.

Shamac huffed as he glared at the monstrous being he faced. He was already at his limits, barely clinging on to consciousness.

He glanced a bit to his side and saw Talia lying on the floor.

She had passed out a few moments earlier, leaving only him to hold the fort.

Fortunately, they managed to eliminate the other Hell Riders, leaving only the Boss to be dealt with.

He felt his body sear with pain, and he throbbed, nearly collapsing as he maintained his stance.

"Huff... Huff

" He heaved in exhaustion.

"For creatures of this plane, you are all impressive... I have many questions as to your identity. Clearly, you're not normal beings... To be able to defeat one blessed by a god, and even hold your ground against me... Truly amazing

" The Executioner muttered.

Shamac was surprised to see his opponent talk this way. He thought the Hell Rider would feel more enraged and protective of his summoner. But, his disconcerted tone made Shamac rethink the nature of the relationship between Gratiana and the being who was before him.

"Isn't she your master? Why do you sound so nonchalant about her death?

" Shamac spoke.

A moment of silence ensued between the two opposing forces.

"Kuahahahahaha!!!

" The Executioner laughed.

The sudden laugh of the overwhelming enemy made Shamac shrink back in slight apprehension. He couldn't help but feel even more perplexed by the behavior of this creature from hell.

"That child could never be my master. She is merely a vessel of power, granted merely an inkling of my true master's energy.

" The Executioner bellowed.

"In terms of ability, I even exceed her. It makes no sense for me to be inferior to that human... As one of the 5 Guardians of the Underworld, Lord Hades' most powerful generals.

" He grinned.

"W-Wha?!

" Shamac let out in shock.

He had no idea the person he had been fighting was such a high-ranking entity.

"Y-You mean... You're a direct subordinate of the god, H-Hades...?!

" Shamac muttered, suddenly shivering as this reality dawned on him.

"Oh, come on! Did that make you lose your nerve?

" The Executioner said with disappointment.

"Sigh... This is why I hate revealing my identity. You lot always lose motivation to-

"

"Oh, don't get the wrong idea... This reaction of mine isn't out of fear...

" Shamac cut him short.

The sudden words of Shamac made the Executioner's eyes narrow with suspicion and curiosity.

"Oh?

"

After observing Shamac closely, he realized the battered-up kid was telling the truth.

"... There's only one emotion I feel currently. Excitement!

" Shamac smiled, still trembling.

He pushed away the thoughts of passing out and widened his dreary eyes.

With a crazy look, he brought out the little shadow he had left and geared himself for battle.

"I'll finally be able to proudly face the Boss after I defeat you!

"

The Executioner stared at Shamac's desperate attempt to struggle, amused by the powerless boy's refusal to back down.

"Interesting indeed! I like your spirit!

" He grinned.

Perhaps he could find a worthy foe in the boy in front of him.